3/13/2011 6:19:16 PMBefore the floodgates of self-immolation open; let's remember that, for the first time, the NIT reserved 14 bids to regular season conference champions that did not qualify for the NCAAs. Basically, the Terps would likely have been "invited" in previous years; but the rule change likely left them out.

Still, that means that the Terps were worse than the 86th team in the country in the estimation of the selection committee (68 teams in the NCAA + 18 at-large NIT teams). UGH. I know being left out is largely symbolic; but this feels like rock bottom.

There is something called the CBI for teams that get left out of the NIT (shuttering); but I hope that the University has the good sense to turn down the invitation. It's an embarrassment for a team less than 10 years removed from a National Championship to accept a bid to the CBI.

If I were Gary Williams; I'd be buying plane tickets to the hometowns of each of the Top 10 recruits in the class of 2012. The talent gap is unacceptable and he needs to show some signs of life. Baylor is not landing Top 20 recruits routinely!